Jose Barrero deserves one more chance to become the Reds starting shortstop

Jose Barrero finally received his first extended look in the big leagues last season. Unfortunately, it could not have gone much worse. While it's much too early for the Cincinnati Reds to just give up on Barrero all together, the team cannot wait around forever.

The Reds called up Barrero shortly after the trade deadline, moved Kyle Farmer to third base, and inserted the 24-year-old as the team's starting shortstop after he had struggled to hit above the Mendoza line while playing for Triple-A Louisville.

Barrero struggled mightily at the plate and looked overmatched by nearly every pitcher he faced. Barrero's final slash line in 2022 was .152/.195/.206. The shortstop struck out 76 times in 174 at-bats and drew just nine walks.

Jose Barrero deserves one more chance to become the Reds starting SS.

The Cincinnati Reds' handling of Jose Barrero has been questionable at best. Moving Nick Senzel from third base to center field was probably more egregious, but Barrero's development within the organization has been questionable nonetheless.

Cincinnati called up the infielder during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season (despite never playing above High-A) after it was assumed the team was out of playoff contention. A late-season surge saw the Reds make it into the postseason and Barrero's playing time took a major hit.

In 2021, Barrero's season began at Double-A and after dominating the competition, the shortstop was promoted to Triple-A. Barrero displayed the same level of dominance after making the jump in competition and joined the Reds in August. Sporadic playing time saw Barrero appear in just 21 games and register just 50 at-bats.

This past season saw Barrero begin the year on the IL after undergoing surgery to repair his hamate bone. Barrero's numbers in the minor leagues never looked good, but despite his struggles at Triple-A, the infielder was given a chance to prove himself at the major league level. It did not go well at all.

This offseason will be huge for Jose Barrero. Not only is he coming off a horrific performance, but the Cincinnati Reds have a plethora of top prospects who will be looking to take on the role of starting shortstop for the club next season. Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz could very well find their way onto the Reds Opening Day roster in 2023.

Both prospects, however, have yet to play above Double-A and are likely to begin next season in the minors. Barrero should be given one last chance to prove that last season was an anomaly and he has what it takes to be a major league shortstop. The physical talents are there, but they've yet to show up on the major league diamond.